Chapters 1-2 1. What do you know about Nick Carraway from the opening pages of The Great Gatsby? Why do these characteristics make Nick a suitable narrator for the story?
In the first few pages of the first chapter, we find out that Nick Carraway is someone who will never judge anyone. this makes him a good narrator for the story because we know that the story will be told through an unbiased opinion. 2. Describe the relationship Nick has with the Buchanans. What are your first impressions of the Buchanans?
The relationship between Nick and the Buchanans is that he is cousin to Daisy Buchanan and they get along quite nicely. My first impressions of the Buchanans is that their personal and family life is kind of screwed up. They're both cheating on each other yet they won't get divorced for an unknown reason even though they say that the reasoning is that Daisy is Catholic. 3. What does Daisy mean when she wishes her child to be a “beautiful fool”? What does it reveal about Daisy’s character?
When Daisy wishes her child to be a "beautiful fool," she wishes her to be beautiful so that men would want her and foolish because she didnt want her daughter to see all of the bad things that were happening. This revealed Daisy's intelligence and her wish that she didn't know what was going on in her life being that she knows she's being cheated on and that her husband doesn't really care about her. 4. Characterize Jordan Baker.
Jordan Baker can be characterized by a competitive, cynical, yet beautiful person. 5. The Buchanans suggest that Nick and Jordan become romantically involved. Is this a good match? Why/why not?
I don't think that Nick and Jordan would me a good match-up because of how cynical and judgmental Jordan is compared to the non-judgmental and very light-hearted Nick Carraway. 6. Describe the “Valley of Ashes”
The "Valley of Ashes" is a part of New York that isn't very green and between the two locations. It holds the mysterious eyes and is located in what we would call Queens now. 7. How does Myrtle react to Tom’s arrival? Myrtle reacts to Tom's arrival by giving him every ounce of attention that she can and ignoring her husband. 8. How does George treat Tom? George treats Tom as nicely as he possibly can. He waits on him hand and foot, but is very persistent about buying the car from Tom. 9. How does Myrtle’s physical appearance mirror her inner character?
Myrtle's physical appearance mirrors her inner character by she is not exactly beautiful, but she carries herself in a "sensual" way, forcing herself to look somewhat pretty. Her character is that she doesn't fit into the wealthy society, but forces herself to when she is with Tom. 10. How does Myrtle’s behavior change as the party progresses? What does Myrtle’s behavior at the party reveal about her character?
Myrtle's behavior changes as the party progresses by as she gets more intoxicated, the louder and more obnoxious she becomes. Her behavior at the party reveals that she is willing to play part in a lie that makes her look good. She is very into the materialistic benefits she gets from Tom. 11. Why does Nick see himself both on the inside and the outside of the apartment at the end of chapter 2?
Nick sees himself both on the inside and the outside of the apartment at the end of chapter 2 because the obnoxious behavior makes him want to leave, but he is also fascinated by the spectacle of the party.
Chapter 3-4 1. What is the major contrast between Gatsby and his party?
The major contrast between Gatsby and his party is that Gatsby is never actually involved in the party. Gatsby remains very restricted and calm during his parties unlike the other guests that attended the party. Gatsby always sat back and watched his guests enjoy themselves. 2. How is Jordan Baker’s table different from the rest of the party?
When Nick and Jordan Baker are at the table this is when Gatsby and Nick meet. Gatsby recognizes Nick from when they served together in the military. 3. Why is Owl Eyes so impressed by Gatsby’s library?
Owl Eyes is so impressed with Gatsby's library because of the vast collection of books. Owl Eyes doesn't fully believe the books are real because of all the books in his collection. 4. Why does Jordan prefer large parties to small ones?
Jordan prefers large parties instead of small ones because of all the different people that attend the part and how your not forced to interact with everyone that is at the party. 5. Automobiles become an important recurring motif in Gatsby. How are they worked into the first few chapters of the novel?
Automobiles pop up in a few spots in the first chapters of the book. There is the accident at Gatsby's party, and also when Gatsby gets pulled over when him and Nick go to lunch together. The vehicles seem to symbolize the wealth of these people. 6. What Does Gatsby tell Nick about himself? Gatsby tells Nick about his past and all of his great accomplishments. However, it is hard to believe some of Gatsby's stories, such as when he tells Nick he grew up in the Midwest, and when Nick asks where, he replies San Francisco. 7. Who is Meyer Wolfsheim? What might his association with Gatsby indicate about Gatsby’s character? Meyer Wolfsheim is a shady character that is involved in underground business. His association with Gatsby's character causes the reader to question how Gatsby obtained his wealth. 8. Why does Gatsby wish to have tea with Daisy? Why at Nick’s house?
Gatsby wishes to have tea with Daisy because he is in love with her and wishes to see her again. It is to be arranged at Nick's house so that Daisy will actually come because Gatsby is afraid she will not show if he invites her. 9. What does the reader know by the end of chapter four about why Gatsby is constantly staring at and reaching out for that green light across the bay? By the end of chapter four, the reader is able to interpret that the light across the bay that Gatsby is reaching for is the light at the end of the Buchanans dock. He is reaching for Daisy. 10. Gatsby tells Nick he is from the “middle west.” Is this true?
No, this is not true because when Gatsby tells Nick where he is from, he says that he is from San Francisco.
Chapter 5-6
List three more examples of the use of color and explain what they might signify. Gold is used for wealth throughout the entire book: "gold like new money from the mint." Red is cheerful sometimes throughout the book: "Their house was.. a cheerful red-and-white Georgian colonial mansion." White signifies innocence in some parts of the book: "our white girlhood".
How might Gatsby’s breaking Nick’s clock be a symbolic occurrence? Gatsby's breaking of Nick's clock might be a symbolic occurrence because Gatsby makes Nick lose track of time.
How do Daisy and Gatsby behave during their tea engagement? Daisy and Gatsby behave like adults, but they are also quite flirty during their tea engagement.
Why does Daisy break down and cry when she sees Gatsby’s collection of shirts? Daisy breaks down and cries when she sees Gatsby's collection of shirts because it is such a beautiful collection.
By the end of Chapter 5, Gatsby’s dream seems to have been fulfilled. What indications are there that reality cannot satisfy his dream? Reality cannot satisfy Gatsby's dream because he wants Daisy, but Daisy is married already.
What was Gatsby’s original name?
Gatsby's original name was James Gatz. 7. What purpose did Gatsby have in changing his name (on two different levels)?
Gatsby changed his name because he 1) wanted to reinvent himself because he grew up with very little money and always dreamed of being rich and being able to do the things that he wants and to do so he thought that he should become an entirely different person. The first step to that was changing his name. Another reason is because he waned to sound more aristocratic after leaving the military and to hide his likely immigrant roots, 8. What is Daisy's response to the party in chapter 6? He says the party offends her. She was appalled by the nature of the West Egg party and how the people there seemed to be coming from nowhere and going nowhere pointlessly. She is offended
very much by the kind of people she sees there, such as the drunk girl who starts yelling and has
to be dunked in the pool. 9. What is Gatsby's view of the past?
Gatsby misses the past and wishes that he could repeat it. He enjoyed himself while he was with Daisy and misses the simplicity of his life at that time. He thinks that if he gets back together with Daisy, he thinks that by being with Daisy again, his life will be put on the right track. 10. Response: “Jay Gatsby sprang from his Platonic conception of himself.” This is an allusion to one of Plato’s most famous texts entitled “The Allegory of the Cave”. Do a quick Google search, find out the gist of the allegory, and compose a 100-word response linking Plato’s allegory with Jay Gatsby.
The Great Gatsby chapter 7-9
What’s with all the heat imagery in chapter 7? What does Fitzgerald accomplish by its use? The heat imagery used in chapter 7 is to have the weather follow with the events in the book. Fitzgerald is able to accomplish a reader's insight that this chapter will be filled with drama.
Why does Gatsby stop having parties? Gatsby stops having parties because he only threw them to lure Daisy to his house. Now that he has her, he no longer needs to have them.
When does Tom realize that Daisy loves Gatsby? Tom realizes that Daisy loves Gatsby when Daisy asks to bring Gatsby into the city with them.
When Myrtle sees Tom and Jordan in Gatsby’s car, what mistake does she make? The mistake Myrtle makes when she sees Tom and Jordan in Gatsby's car is
Gatsby claims Daisy’s voice is “full of money.” What do you think he means by this (ignore what Nick says about it immediately following in the book)? When Gatsby claims that Daisy's voice is "full of money" he means that
Why does Gatsby lose Daisy at the confrontation in the Plaza? Could he have done anything to win her? Why didn’t he act? Gatsby loses Daisy at the confrontation in the Plaza because Daisy realizes that Tom has more than Gatsby. He could have told her that he truly loves her and doesn't cheat on her, but he doesn't act because he wants her to make the decision herself.
Tom insists Daisy drive home with Gatsby. What does this say about Tom’s character and his relationship with his wife? Tom insisting that Daisy drive home with Gatsby shows that Tom is overly confident that his wife will stay with him, yet doesn't want to be around her.
What indications are there at the end of the chapter that Tom and Daisy are going to stay together despite his affair and her love for Gatsby? When Daisy decides to return with Tom back to her house instead of escaping with Gatsby, this reveals that they will stay together. Daisy also never officially says that she is done with Tom.
Why is Gatsby waiting outside the Buchannan’s house? Gatsby is waiting outside of the Buchannan's house for Daisy to return and to make sure Daisy is alright. Gatsby doesn't want Tom to do something to Daisy so he watches over the house until he gets word from Daisy.
Who was driving Gatsby’s car when they left the hotel? Tom was driving Gatsby's car when they left the hotel. They decided to switch cars, probably so Tom has some type of insurance on Gatsby so him and Daisy don't run away.
Compare and contrast the last paragraph of chapter 7 with the last paragraph of chapter 1. The last paragraph of chapter seven and first paragraph of chapter one are very similar in how they are plotted. The difference is that chapter one sets up chapter seven.
Why does Fitzgerald wait until chapter 8 to present a detailed account of the original love affair between Gatsby and Daisy? Fitzgerald does this to keep the reader wondering the entire way through. He doesn't want to give it away and bore the reader for the rest of the novel.
Why does Daisy’s wealth always remain in the foreground of Gatsby’s feelings and memories of her? Daisy's wealth and social status was always a big part of their relationship. Daisy made it clear that she would not be with someone who did not have money and at the time Gatsby did not have much money at all.
What was the basis of Daisy’s decision to marry Tom? Daisy decided to marry Tom because he had money and Daisy thought at the time that Tom would be the one for her.
When Gatsby accepts the fact that Daisy did love Tom once, he scoffs at it, claiming it was “just personal”. What does he mean by that? He means when he says it was "just personal" that Daisy married Tom for herself only. Daisy wanted money and she married someone with money.
How do you think Wilson got Gatsby’s name? Does the evidence point to anyone in particular?Wilson looks for Tom, because he knows that Tom is familiar with the car's owner. He saw Tom driving the car earlier that day but knows Tom could not have been the driver since Tom arrived after the accident in a different car with Nick and Jordan
Why do Tom and Daisy leave East Egg?The reason they leave is because they want to try and escape the realit of the whole situation with Daisy really having been the one driving the car that hit Myrtle and the fact that it was not good for her to be around Gatsby because she still loved him but was married to Tom.
What does Klipspringer want from Nick? How does Nick react?Klipspringer rudely calls Nick, not because he wants to give his last respects to a former friend, but because he wants to pick up a pair of tennis shoes. Nick's reaction is that he's surprised that Klipspringer doesnt really care about Gatsby and his death.
What is the significance of Mr. Gatz’s arrival? What is ironic about his admiration of the house? The significance of the arrival of Mr. Gatz was that it shows Gatsby's dream to achieve and reach new heights in which he succeed. The arrival of his father showed readers how Jay Gatsby was in his younger years and how he was "bound to get ahead." The irony in his father's admiration of Jay Gatsby's house was that his father was a middle class working man who would never dream of acquiring things like Gatsby's house.
What two emotions would you say are pulling at Mr. Gatz? The two emotions that wer pulling at Mr Gatz were most likely 1) pride, because of all of the things his son had achieved and, of course, anxiety. Because it's his son's funeral and any father would be upset by that.
What is ironic about Mr. Gatz’s comments about James J. Hill? The irony of the comments Mr. Gatz made about James J. Hill was that Gatz thought that, like J. Hill, Gatsby was making a positive influence in the world. When in reality, Gatsby only had money to impress people, namely Daisy.
Nick claims “this has been a story of the west, after all.” What does he mean by that? When Nick says that, he means that living a wealthy life on the East has caused them to lose moral values that they previously had when they lived on West Egg.
1. What do you know about Nick Carraway from the opening pages of The Great Gatsby? Why do these characteristics make Nick a suitable narrator for the story?
In the first few pages of the first chapter, we find out that Nick Carraway is someone who will never judge anyone. this makes him a good narrator for the story because we know that the story will be told through an unbiased opinion.
2. Describe the relationship Nick has with the Buchanans. What are your first impressions of the Buchanans?
The relationship between Nick and the Buchanans is that he is cousin to Daisy Buchanan and they get along quite nicely. My first impressions of the Buchanans is that their personal and family life is kind of screwed up. They're both cheating on each other yet they won't get divorced for an unknown reason even though they say that the reasoning is that Daisy is Catholic.
3. What does Daisy mean when she wishes her child to be a “beautiful fool”? What does it reveal about Daisy’s character?
When Daisy wishes her child to be a "beautiful fool," she wishes her to be beautiful so that men would want her and foolish because she didnt want her daughter to see all of the bad things that were happening. This revealed Daisy's intelligence and her wish that she didn't know what was going on in her life being that she knows she's being cheated on and that her husband doesn't really care about her.
4. Characterize Jordan Baker.
Jordan Baker can be characterized by a competitive, cynical, yet beautiful person.
5. The Buchanans suggest that Nick and Jordan become romantically involved. Is this a good match? Why/why not?
I don't think that Nick and Jordan would me a good match-up because of how cynical and judgmental Jordan is compared to the non-judgmental and very light-hearted Nick Carraway.
6. Describe the “Valley of Ashes”
The "Valley of Ashes" is a part of New York that isn't very green and between the two locations. It holds the mysterious eyes and is located in what we would call Queens now.
7. How does Myrtle react to Tom’s arrival?
Myrtle reacts to Tom's arrival by giving him every ounce of attention that she can and ignoring her husband.
8. How does George treat Tom?
George treats Tom as nicely as he possibly can. He waits on him hand and foot, but is very persistent about buying the car from Tom.
9. How does Myrtle’s physical appearance mirror her inner character?
Myrtle's physical appearance mirrors her inner character by she is not exactly beautiful, but she carries herself in a "sensual" way, forcing herself to look somewhat pretty. Her character is that she doesn't fit into the wealthy society, but forces herself to when she is with Tom.
10. How does Myrtle’s behavior change as the party progresses? What does Myrtle’s behavior at the party reveal about her character?
Myrtle's behavior changes as the party progresses by as she gets more intoxicated, the louder and more obnoxious she becomes. Her behavior at the party reveals that she is willing to play part in a lie that makes her look good. She is very into the materialistic benefits she gets from Tom.
11. Why does Nick see himself both on the inside and the outside of the apartment at the end of chapter 2?
Nick sees himself both on the inside and the outside of the apartment at the end of chapter 2 because the obnoxious behavior makes him want to leave, but he is also fascinated by the spectacle of the party.
Chapter 3-4
1. What is the major contrast between Gatsby and his party?
The major contrast between Gatsby and his party is that Gatsby is never actually involved in the party. Gatsby remains very restricted and calm during his parties unlike the other guests that attended the party. Gatsby always sat back and watched his guests enjoy themselves.
2. How is Jordan Baker’s table different from the rest of the party?
When Nick and Jordan Baker are at the table this is when Gatsby and Nick meet. Gatsby recognizes Nick from when they served together in the military.
3. Why is Owl Eyes so impressed by Gatsby’s library?
Owl Eyes is so impressed with Gatsby's library because of the vast collection of books. Owl Eyes doesn't fully believe the books are real because of all the books in his collection.
4. Why does Jordan prefer large parties to small ones?
Jordan prefers large parties instead of small ones because of all the different people that attend the part and how your not forced to interact with everyone that is at the party.
5. Automobiles become an important recurring motif in Gatsby. How are they worked into the first few chapters of the novel?
Automobiles pop up in a few spots in the first chapters of the book. There is the accident at Gatsby's party, and also when Gatsby gets pulled over when him and Nick go to lunch together. The vehicles seem to symbolize the wealth of these people.
6. What Does Gatsby tell Nick about himself?
Gatsby tells Nick about his past and all of his great accomplishments. However, it is hard to believe some of Gatsby's stories, such as when he tells Nick he grew up in the Midwest, and when Nick asks where, he replies San Francisco.
7. Who is Meyer Wolfsheim? What might his association with Gatsby indicate about Gatsby’s character?
Meyer Wolfsheim is a shady character that is involved in underground business. His association with Gatsby's character causes the reader to question how Gatsby obtained his wealth.
8. Why does Gatsby wish to have tea with Daisy? Why at Nick’s house?
Gatsby wishes to have tea with Daisy because he is in love with her and wishes to see her again. It is to be arranged at Nick's house so that Daisy will actually come because Gatsby is afraid she will not show if he invites her.
9. What does the reader know by the end of chapter four about why Gatsby is constantly staring at and reaching out for that green light across the bay?
By the end of chapter four, the reader is able to interpret that the light across the bay that Gatsby is reaching for is the light at the end of the Buchanans dock. He is reaching for Daisy.
10. Gatsby tells Nick he is from the “middle west.” Is this true?
No, this is not true because when Gatsby tells Nick where he is from, he says that he is from San Francisco.
Chapter 5-6
- List three more examples of the use of color and explain what they might signify. Gold is used for wealth throughout the entire book: "gold like new money from the mint." Red is cheerful sometimes throughout the book: "Their house was.. a cheerful red-and-white Georgian colonial mansion." White signifies innocence in some parts of the book: "our white girlhood".
- How might Gatsby’s breaking Nick’s clock be a symbolic occurrence? Gatsby's breaking of Nick's clock might be a symbolic occurrence because Gatsby makes Nick lose track of time.
- How do Daisy and Gatsby behave during their tea engagement? Daisy and Gatsby behave like adults, but they are also quite flirty during their tea engagement.
- Why does Daisy break down and cry when she sees Gatsby’s collection of shirts? Daisy breaks down and cries when she sees Gatsby's collection of shirts because it is such a beautiful collection.
- By the end of Chapter 5, Gatsby’s dream seems to have been fulfilled. What indications are there that reality cannot satisfy his dream? Reality cannot satisfy Gatsby's dream because he wants Daisy, but Daisy is married already.
- What was Gatsby’s original name?
Gatsby's original name was James Gatz.7. What purpose did Gatsby have in changing his name (on two different levels)?
Gatsby changed his name because he 1) wanted to reinvent himself because he grew up with very little money and always dreamed of being rich and being able to do the things that he wants and to do so he thought that he should become an entirely different person. The first step to that was changing his name. Another reason is because he waned to sound more aristocratic after leaving the military and to hide his likely immigrant roots,
8. What is Daisy's response to the party in chapter 6?
He says the party offends her. She was appalled by the nature of the West Egg party and how the people there seemed to be coming from nowhere and going nowhere pointlessly. She is offended
very much by the kind of people she sees there, such as the drunk girl who starts yelling and has
to be dunked in the pool.
9. What is Gatsby's view of the past?
Gatsby misses the past and wishes that he could repeat it. He enjoyed himself while he was with Daisy and misses the simplicity of his life at that time. He thinks that if he gets back together with Daisy, he thinks that by being with Daisy again, his life will be put on the right track.
10. Response: “Jay Gatsby sprang from his Platonic conception of himself.” This is an allusion to one of Plato’s most famous texts entitled “The Allegory of the Cave”. Do a quick Google search, find out the gist of the allegory, and compose a 100-word response linking Plato’s allegory with Jay Gatsby.
The Great Gatsby chapter 7-9